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U.S. women's gymnastics team increases lead after balance beam

July 31, 2012|By Diane Pucin

Kyla Ross performs on the balance beam. (Gregory Bull / Associated…)

Kyla Ross, the 15-year-old senior-level rookie from Aliso Viejo, led off balance beam for the U.S. with a solid routine that had no hint of major mistakes and was scored 15.133. Gabrielle Douglas had a large step on her landing but was otherwise solid and scored 15.233.

Alexandra Raisman, the surprising American all-around qualifier who beat out her American teammate Jordyn Wieber to join Douglas in the all-around finals, made her team finals debut on the balance beam. She had to fight to stay on the equipment on one pass and had a large step on her landing for a score of 14.933.

China continued to fall behind with more major mistakes on floor exercise.

PHOTOS: U.S. athletes most likely to medal

And starting after the U.S. on balance beam, Aliya Mustafina of Russia nearly fell off twice to score only 14.533. Victoria Komova, who was the leading scorer in the all-around qualifying, wobbled twice and then nearly went off the mat on her landing. The difficult routine was scored a 15.033.

After three rotations, the U.S. increased its lead over Russia to over a point. The U.S. had 138.230 after three of four rotations and Russia was second with 136.931. China was a distant third.

The finish will be the Russians on the floor first and the U.S. to finish on floor after the Russians.

ALSO:

U.S. women's gymnastics team in first place after vault

U.S. officials try not to inflame Ye Shiwen doping allegations

U.S. women's gymnastics team still in first place after uneven bars

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